Hamilton 86 Demerara

Nice and dark, sweet and (subtly) smoky on the nose. I would almost say its scotch-y but the roundness that the sweetness brings wouldn't make that true. Some underripe fruits and a bit of berry.

Amazingly smooth, a nice bite on the finish, really a development across the palate. This is a really rich, sweet (not artificial whatsoever), and subtly fruity rum. Very unique and a great introduction to unadulterated Guyanese rums.

Very smooth, with all the smokiness and caramel tones one expects from a quality demerara rum. Great as a sipper or in classic tiki cocktails, but I think this rum really shines in a rum old fashioned. A must have for any rum enthusiast

Sweet without being cloying. A tiki drinker MUST have.

Smells like apple maple oatmeal to me. I do love a Demerara and this one delivers at a great price tasting of light oak, leather and tobacco. Smooth with a dry finish, which is likely because its unsweetened. Great buy and may be my go to Guyanese rum.

It's strange, when I use it in a rum blend for tiki cocktails I don't often pick out many distinct notes, but it always makes really good drinks.

I use this as a mixer in my tiki drinks. I have yet to try it completely on its owns. Good flavor

This is the one. Move over El Dorado. I thought I was done trying Demerara rums after discovering Lemon Hart, but this one takes the cake in the 86 proof category. I'll be honest, I've never been that impressed by El Dorado rums. They're solid, but nothing mind blowing, even at higher age statements. This one just hits differently, I get a much stronger burnt caramel that I honestly stopped looking for in the 86 proof Demerara rums. Don't get me wrong, this can't touch Lemon Hart 151, but in the ~40% category this beats both. Great, I just realized now I have to compare Hamilton 151 and Lemon Hart 151.

I may need to do some side-by-sides to settle on a final score. 9 seems a bit generous when I know how good Lemon Hart 151 is, so I'll leave this at a strong 8.5.

Delicious sip tonight, smooth with a hint of barrel flavor. Solid lasting finish of spices. Very excited to try in some cocktails.

Purchased in Charleston. SC, 10 years ago. Terrific mixer with coconut water, deep vanilla notes, rich tones across the palate.

Tasted at the King Kahuna in Longmont, CO on February 24th, 2024. A go to/must have for cocktails.

Nose: Burnt molasses with some smoke
Taste/Palate: Brown Sugar
Finish: Medium